MLA announces two (2) full-time staff attorney positions in the Cecil/Harford County office. These positions have a focus on Child In Need of Assistance (CINA) child welfare cases, and the responsibilities include providing competent legal representation in child welfare proceedings before the juvenile and appellate courts, as well as all other ancillary proceedings such as FIMS, TPR mediations, IEP meetings. The responsibilities include representing clients in general practice cases related to legal advocacy, ranging from intake to representation of clients before administrative tribunals, District, Circuit, appellate, and federal courts, and all relevant agencies. Staff Attorneys are expected to participate in outreach activities and clinics as directed. Participation in Legal Aid Task Forces and other internal/external committees is also required.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Screen clients for eligibility and make referrals as appropriate.
Conduct preliminary and subsequent interviews with clients.
Conduct factual investigation and analysis as well as legal research.
Advise clients of the results of investigation and research and counsel clients regarding their options.
Draft pleadings to include complaints, answers, and counter-complaints, etc.
Draft memoranda of law, briefs, etc.
Develop case theory and strategy for the representation of clients.
Prepare cases and represent clients during negotiations, hearings, trials, and appeals.
Work with various community groups and accept speaking engagements as assigned by the supervisor.
Continue professional development and education by attending Legal Aid-sponsored training and other programs.
Maintain case records for clients in the LegalServer case management system.
Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the essential functions of the position.
Admitted to practice in the State of Maryland, or admitted in another jurisdiction, or graduate of an ABA-approved law school and eligible for admission in the State of Maryland. Out-of-state attorneys must be able and available to take the next scheduled bar exam following the date of employment.
Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
Knowledge of principles of civil law, judicial procedures, and rules of evidence.
Ability to use a computer, web-based applications, and computer programs such as Office 365, including Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Excellent research, critical thinking, writing, and communication skills.
Self-starter who can juggle multiple priorities and meet regular deadlines in a fast-paced environment while balancing a full workload.
Ability to provide quality legal advocacy and representation for low-income, diverse client base.
Ability to travel locally and regionally in Maryland as needed.
Knowledge of Westlaw Edge or other legal research software is a plus.
Spanish language proficiency desirable.
References will be required at the time of the final interview.
No telephone calls, please. The position will remain open until filled.
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